Philly's Big Snows: A Look Back at the Past Three Decades
Philadelphia is bracing for a major snowstorm this weekend, with predictions suggesting a foot or more of snow could fall. But how does that compare to some of the city's biggest snowfalls in recent years?
The Blizzard of 1996 still holds the record for the largest snowfall in Philadelphia, dumping an impressive 30.7 inches over three days in January of that year. The storm was a major event, with temperatures plummeting and highways shut down. In total, six people lost their lives to the blizzard, and damage was estimated at $500 million.
In contrast, more recent snowfalls have been significant but smaller. A 23.2-inch snowfall in December 2009 caused widespread disruptions, including a cancelled Eagles game and flights grounded at Philadelphia International Airport. The storm also resulted in thousands of power outages and left many without electricity for several days.
Then there was the "snowmaggedon" of February 2010, which dumped an astonishing 44.3 inches on the city over just one week. Schools and public transit were shut down, and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell closed major highways to try and ease congestion. The storm was so severe that nearly 1,100 members of the National Guard were deployed to help stranded drivers.
In 2014, another significant snowfall occurred, with 13.5 inches dropping in just one day. Mayor Michael Nutter declared a state of emergency as crews struggled to clear the streets and sidewalks. The storm was particularly notable for its cold temperatures, which made road salt less effective at melting the ice.
More recently, Philadelphia experienced a major snowstorm on January 22-24, 2016, which dumped 20-22.5 inches on the city over several days. SEPTA suspended almost all service, and airport flights were cancelled as crews worked to clear the streets. The storm also caused record flooding in shore towns, including Cape May County.
This weekend's predicted snowfall is significant, but it falls short of some of the city's biggest snowfalls in recent years. Still, residents are advised to exercise caution as the weather forecast remains uncertain.
Philadelphia is bracing for a major snowstorm this weekend, with predictions suggesting a foot or more of snow could fall. But how does that compare to some of the city's biggest snowfalls in recent years?
The Blizzard of 1996 still holds the record for the largest snowfall in Philadelphia, dumping an impressive 30.7 inches over three days in January of that year. The storm was a major event, with temperatures plummeting and highways shut down. In total, six people lost their lives to the blizzard, and damage was estimated at $500 million.
In contrast, more recent snowfalls have been significant but smaller. A 23.2-inch snowfall in December 2009 caused widespread disruptions, including a cancelled Eagles game and flights grounded at Philadelphia International Airport. The storm also resulted in thousands of power outages and left many without electricity for several days.
Then there was the "snowmaggedon" of February 2010, which dumped an astonishing 44.3 inches on the city over just one week. Schools and public transit were shut down, and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell closed major highways to try and ease congestion. The storm was so severe that nearly 1,100 members of the National Guard were deployed to help stranded drivers.
In 2014, another significant snowfall occurred, with 13.5 inches dropping in just one day. Mayor Michael Nutter declared a state of emergency as crews struggled to clear the streets and sidewalks. The storm was particularly notable for its cold temperatures, which made road salt less effective at melting the ice.
More recently, Philadelphia experienced a major snowstorm on January 22-24, 2016, which dumped 20-22.5 inches on the city over several days. SEPTA suspended almost all service, and airport flights were cancelled as crews worked to clear the streets. The storm also caused record flooding in shore towns, including Cape May County.
This weekend's predicted snowfall is significant, but it falls short of some of the city's biggest snowfalls in recent years. Still, residents are advised to exercise caution as the weather forecast remains uncertain.
! I mean, come on, that's cute compared to 44.3 inches from like, two years ago 
. And don't even get me started on the record flooding in shore towns... that's what I'm worried about 
. People always talkin' 'bout the snow, but they forget about the floodin' and power outages 
. Philly's been through worse, trust me 
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I've been checking the weather updates all day and I can barely contain my anticipation 
. I mean, 20-22.5 inches is a lot of snow! 
But you're right, it does fall short of some of the crazy snowfalls we had in the past... like that "snowmaggedon" of 2010? 
Did you get to try any delicious hot chocolate or soup? 
And don't even get me started on the "snowmaggedon" of Feb 2010... 44.3 inches in one week is no joke 
Can't they just add a simple media uploader or something?! It would make the experience way more engaging. 
and can u believe 44.3 inches of snow fell in just one week lol that's like a whole winter in itself 
. But on the other hand, it's nice to see people being cautious and prepared for the weather. It's like, yeah, winter can be harsh, let's make sure everyone stays safe 
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I think it's wild to consider that Philly has had its fair share of epic snowstorms over the past three decades! Like, remember 1996 - that Blizzard was a real doozy with temps plummeting and highways shut down. Six people lost their lives, and damage was estimated at $500 million? That's crazy.
! 30.7 inches in just 3 days? I remember watching that on TV with my grandparents and we were all like "WHOA, this is crazy!" 
. And 44.3 inches in just one week? That's insane! 
. So, let's hope this weekend's storm is fun and not too bad... but also, don't forget your snow boots 
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, I mean who needs that much snow? And the damage was over $500 million! That's a lot of money for a city like Philly. But on the other hand, I don't know how people coped with all those power outages and whatnot back then... 
️ and btw let's talk about the Blizzard of '96 - that was no joke 
Thankfully, those guys were there to lend a hand.
Still, at least the city's prepared now, right? Fingers crossed this weekend's storm isn't as bad for us! 
it just says a bunch of numbers and stuff that happened 10-15 yrs ago. can't they give us some info on what's gonna happen THIS weekend? like, how much snow r we talkin'?! 
. It's like a visual timeline of Philly's snowy history - so cool! 
. We need to stay safe out there this weekend, even if it doesn't quite live up to some of the record-breakers we've seen before 
. Like, remember that Blizzard of '96? That was some next-level stuff! And don't even get me started on the "snowmaggedon" in 2010 - I was low-key stuck at home for like, a week straight 
. These newer snowfalls are no joke either, but you know what's not gonna be forgotten? The fact that all those people lost their lives to that '96 storm... it's wild how the city's learned from its past though 
still can't believe ppl lost their lives in such harsh conditions 
I'm not saying it's gonna be a light dusting or anything, but I think we're overreacting just a bit. Let's see what actually happens this weekend before we start stockpiling snacks for a month-long snow-in.
. We're not getting as much snow overall, but the impact still matters – especially with all the travel and disruptions involved. So yeah, let's just hope everyone stays safe and warm this weekend 
Still, you gotta respect the city's resilience. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good excuse to stay indoors and binge-watch their fave shows? 
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